Boris Johnson booed during debut speech as foreign secretary

Boris Johnson, Britain's new foreign secretary, was booed after giving his first speech since taking over the role Thursday.

Speaking on Bastille Day at the French ambassador's residence in London, the leading Brexit campaigner called for called for "a political, cultural, psychological and economic union," eliciting jeers from the audience. It's not clear whether the dissent came from the British or French guests in attendance.

New British Prime Minister Theresa May's decision to appoint Johnson to the high profile role was not altogether positively received by world leaders.

Jean-Marc Ayrault, the French foreign minister, said: "I am not at all worried about Boris Johnson, but during the campaign he lied a lot to the British people and now it is he who has his back against the wall."

me

Georgie Best

It might be just me, but I believe most people were laughing and applauding; I’m guessing Politico is quite desperate to stick to its narrative.

Posted on 7/15/16 | 1:12 PM CET

shay gaetz

Predictably – a small number of impolite hecklers. Sounds like one or tow voices at most. Predictably, yellow journalism makes much ado about nothing! It would appear from the video that most of the participants were looking askance at the rude interruption. Pathetic really.

Posted on 7/15/16 | 1:22 PM CET

Dan

@Georgie Best
“I’m guessing Politico is quite desperate to stick to its narrative.”

New to Politico Georgie? 🙂 It’ll hang on like grim death to anything it can construe as pro EU.

You should also note the presence of Axelle Lemaire on the left of the picture, from French Cabinet – She’s the Junior Minister for digital affairs.

Posted on 7/15/16 | 2:50 PM CET

Maria Valentina Umer

Spendid isolation for Britain! With this level of politicians in May´s cabinet, primarily with the clown Johnson, the UK is going nowhere. The backlash by the EU has already started with the cancellation of a dinner for EU Foreign Ministers. The official reason was the Nice attacks, but I do think there´s more behind it — more politics!

Posted on 7/15/16 | 3:45 PM CET

Maria Valentina Umer

At least the clown Johnson got a trimm to his madman mane for the photo shootings. Otherwise, there is no news as to how he is preparing for his post as Foreign Secretary at the most difficult time in UK-EU-world relations for peace.
Theresa May´s strategy is yet to become clear. But her cabinet appointments do not augur well, as the seasoned EU leaders have realized.

Posted on 7/15/16 | 3:54 PM CET

Hilary

I happen to think he is going to be a great foreign secretary – let’s face it – anyone has to be better than the warmongers of Hammond and Straw (Straw being the father of the Remain campaign leader – Will Straw) who along with Blair led our fine servicemen and women to their death in Iraq – and set ISIS loose on the world. Boris is good natured, pleasant and a peace loving person who has decency and brains – and speaks several foreign languages fully.

Boo-ing – isn’t that what children do in their school plays?

Posted on 7/15/16 | 6:30 PM CET

Andrew Redman

Did you think we didn’t know you were bad losers yet? Moving to bad human beings with this vulgar childishness now.

Posted on 7/15/16 | 9:07 PM CET

Maria Valentina Umer

Frankly, the Uk has veered towards a USA-like mentality, unfortunately. Boris Johnson and Donald Trump are two clows! These types have abosutely nothing to do with the world´s well being. These clowns are the scum of humanity.

Posted on 7/15/16 | 9:55 PM CET

Maria Valentina Umer

This Boris Johnson belongs in the USA with his friend Donald Trump. What the hell has the UK, and PM May, in mind to nominate this clown as Foreign Secretary? The brits have gone mad, polically mad. Good that you are leaving the EU. And NO DEALS for you! British politicians have shown for decades that they want to make for themselves. What a bunch of opportunists!

Posted on 7/15/16 | 11:06 PM CET

me

@Maria Valentina Umer

…and breath.

Posted on 7/16/16 | 1:57 PM CET

me

@shay gaetz

Oh I don’t know, they waited for the end before politely booing the pantomime villain so as not to ruin it for the rest.

Posted on 7/16/16 | 2:01 PM CET

me

@ Maria Valentina Umer
“Frankly, the Uk has veered towards a USA-like mentality, unfortunately. Boris Johnson and Donald Trump are two clows! These types have abosutely nothing to do with the world´s well being. These clowns are the scum of humanity.”